Originally Posted by
gettinbumped
That being said, to just blanket start the APU if you see the vents closed to prove a point seems ill-advised.
Yes, that is rash and just a bit of ranting.
Originally Posted by
gettinbumped
Or write an article for the fleet newsletter reminding crews of the need to leave the vents open? But blindly starting the APU is a waste of our money and natural resources.
On multiple summers they HAVE put this in the newsletter. In fact,
it is in the latest and current newsletter. With a photo even. But pilots are masters at quickly determining 1) what is safe, 2) what is required, and 3) who is the cutest girl in the boarding area. The rest is noise. The newsletter is not a governing document. It ain't required, so it ain't read. And if it is read, techniques or suggestions are ignored or seen as nice to know, but quickly forgotten.
As far as mentoring, I have found that "mentoring" a technique is problematic. "Oh, that captain likes the vents open." Been there. So the vents may be opened when they fly with me, otherwise forget it.
Which gets back to original point. Only a change to the FM will make this happen. For all you guppy drivers, take a quick look at the vents when you arrive at the cockpit. They'll be closed all summer long and no one cares. Not even the APU guru who wants to save fuel and money--except if it costs nothing and is really easy to do.